Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

This combined Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Curtin University is designed for students who want a strong foundation in both engineering principles and advanced chemical sciences, opening doors to highly technical and research-driven careers. It’s ideal if you’re interested in solving real-world challenges—like sustainable energy, materials development, or industrial processes—while gaining both practical engineering skills and deep scientific knowledge.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid scientific and mathematical foundation essential for both engineering and chemistry. You’ll study units like Introductory Chemistry, Engineering Foundations: Principles and Communication, and Calculus for Engineers, helping you develop problem-solving skills and a clear understanding of core concepts that underpin both disciplines.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding of chemical systems and engineering applications. You’ll explore Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, where you begin connecting chemical theory with real-world engineering processes, such as energy transfer and material behavior.

Year 3:
By third year, your learning becomes more specialized and applied. Units like Heat and Mass Transfer, Process Engineering, and Analytical Chemistry will train you to design and analyze complex systems, while also strengthening your laboratory and data interpretation skills.

Year 4:
In your fourth year, you’ll focus on advanced topics and industry-relevant skills. You’ll study Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control, and Industrial Chemistry, while also starting major design projects that simulate real engineering challenges and prepare you for professional practice.

Year 5 (Honours Year):
Your final year is all about research and innovation. Through your Chemical Engineering Honours Thesis and advanced electives like Advanced Separation Processes or Materials Chemistry, you’ll work on independent or industry-linked projects, showcasing your ability to solve complex problems and contribute to cutting-edge developments.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Process engineering, industrial chemistry, sustainable energy, materials science, reaction engineering, analytical techniques

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Apply chemical and engineering principles to real-world problems, design and optimise industrial processes, conduct advanced laboratory and research work, analyse and interpret complex data, communicate technical solutions effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised engineering standards and are eligible for professional engineering status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Curtin University is consistently ranked in global university rankings such as QS, with strong performance in engineering and technology, and is known for high graduate employability and industry-connected learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Curtin, you don’t just sit in a lecture hall — you’ll actively build the practical skills that employers look for in chemical engineers and chemists. From day one, you’ll have access to purpose‑built facilities where you can take theory off the page and put it into practice. You’ll work with real analytical instruments, engage in collaborative projects with your peers, and tap into work‑integrated learning opportunities that connect you with industry early in your degree. The university’s close ties with organisations like the Western Australian Govt’s ChemCentre mean you’ll gain hands‑on experience that mirrors what professionals do in labs and industry settings:

Here’s how your experiential learning happens throughout the degree:

State‑of‑the‑art labs and precincts: You’ll spend time in Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct — a hub for advanced analytical labs, spectrometry, chromatography and molecular science that supports both teaching and cutting‑edge research. This precinct also hosts the ChemCentre, Western Australia’s premier chemical science facility, offering exposure to real industry work.
Engineering Pavilion: Chemical Engineering students benefit from the Engineering Pavilion, a purpose‑designed facility with engineering workshops, design studios and collaborative spaces that mirror professional environments.
Work‑integrated learning (WIL): Curtin embeds WIL experiences in your study so you can take concepts from the classroom into fieldwork, internships, placements, industry projects and real problem‑solving activities with employers.
Industry placements and internships: Through the Faculty’s industry experience portal and partnerships, you’ll have pathways to vacation placements, internships and summer work that help build confidence and strengthen your CV well before graduation.
Collaborative projects and guest engagement: You’ll tackle group‑based design and research projects that reflect workplace team settings, and benefit from guest lectures and technical insights from industry professionals working closely with Curtin.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Curtin University go on to exciting careers where they design and optimise processes, work in laboratories and take leadership roles in the chemical, energy and resources sectors. Typical roles include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Analytical Chemist, and Materials Scientist, giving you flexibility across industries like energy, biotechnology, environment and pharmaceuticals:

Here’s how Curtin supports your journey from study to a rewarding career:

Career guidance and tailored support: Curtin’s Curtin Careers team offers one‑on‑one career advice, job application support, workshops, resume reviews and a dedicated jobs board so you can confidently navigate internships and graduate roles.
Strong graduate outcomes: Curtin consistently shows high employment rates for undergraduates, with a significant proportion of graduates working full‑time or part‑time shortly after finishing their studies.
Engineering value and earning potential: Engineering fields like chemical engineering are among Australia’s better‑paid disciplines, often earning above national averages for early‑career professionals.
Accreditation and industry recognition: This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, IChemE and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, giving your qualification global professional credibility and long‑term career value.
Industry partnerships and research links: Curtin works closely with research organisations like the Curtin‑ChemCentre Alliance, meaning research opportunities and real‑world problem‑solving experiences with industry‑relevant projects.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to deepen your expertise or move into research and advanced practice, after graduating you could consider postgraduate options such as the Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These pathways allow you to specialise further in areas like process design, sustainability or advanced materials and can open doors to senior technical and research leadership roles in industry and academia.